Keeping it colorful today with this Sheet Pan Cuban Chicken and Black Bean Rice Bowl. Spicy citrus seasoned chicken that’s inspired by cuban flavors, for an easy meal that’s healthy, and truly delicious. Complete each bowl with steamed rice, black beans, homemade mango salsa, and avocado. This dinner is packed with fresh flavors and healthy ingredients, great for any night of the week. Bonus? This easily doubles as a meal prep style recipe that can be cooked ahead, packed-up, and kept handy for busy days.

overhead photo of Sheet Pan Cuban Chicken and Black Bean Rice Bowl and avocado and limes on surface

You know what’s funny? I’ve rewritten parts of this post multiple times, and I’ve now circled back, after writing out the end. Sometimes I find it easier to write the things I know I NEED to say, then go back, reread, and adjust. It helps to get my thoughts down, then organize later. This probably is not the correct way to write, but I guess you do what works for you, right?

Anyway, after a weekend spent writing, I think my brain is a little frazzled and not as fresh as I’d like for it to be. I was supposed to spend the weekend in Aspen for X-Games, since Red was competing. Honestly, I don’t go to watch many snowboard competitions. But X-Games is one I always try to make it out to, since it’s in Colorado and so nearby. I’ve gone every year Red’s competed. Unfortunately, I had to bail out this year in order to meet some work deadlines.

Not going to lie, I was a little bummed. I ended up watching the live stream of the event. I’m SO proud of Red…and very relieved that he smoothly landed all but one run. That kid will never not impress me. He’s always putting his best foot forward and loving life while at it. And he’s always been able to bring a smile to my face, which if you know me can sometimes be harder than you may think.

Since I spent the weekend writing, I’m really excited to be spending the week mostly in the kitchen. And mostly behind my camera, yeah!

I’m also very happy to finally be sharing this recipe, as it’s a good one.

raw chicken before baking Sheet Pan Cuban Chicken on sheet pan

I realized the other week that it’s been a while since I shared a good meal prep style recipe. I can sometimes get tunnel vision and focus solely on the things I’m craving, which right now is pretty much, pizza, pasta, pizza, and soup. Lot’s of soup actually.

Can you blame me though? It is legitimately so freezing outside. All I want to do come the end of a long snowy day is curl up in a blanket with my favorite comfort foods. Tell me you know the feeling?

What I sometimes forget is that chicken and rice are also comfort foods. They can be just as satisfying at the end of a long day as a casserole. In an effort to add a touch of tropical flare, and a good amount of color to my life, I created this Cuban inspired bowl. Which just so happens to be perfect for meal prepping. Which is great for this week ahead, as it’s going to be a busy one. Full of recipe photoshoots for a big project we’ve been working on, conference calls, and one of our first “real” meetings at the studio.

It’s always nice during crazy weeks to have a few meals prepped and ready to go in the fridge. Just one less thing on the to-do list, which is always welcome these days!

overhead close up photo of Sheet Pan Cuban Chicken and Black Bean Rice Bowl

It’s probably no secret, but I love using sheet pans (did you catch last weeks sheet pan salmon??). They save me from washing dish after dish. Life is made easier when you can cook your entire meal (or most of it anyway) together on ONE pan.

Yes, please.

Alright, here are the details.

Working on your trusty sheet pan, season some cubed chicken with lots of fresh citrus, oregano, cumin, and spicy cayenne. Add onions and bell peppers and cook everything together until the chicken is cooked throughout and those onions are broken down and caramelized.

While that’s happening, make a batch of rice and mix up a quick mango salsa. By the time the chicken is done cooking, the rice should be ready and the salsa mixed up. Combine everything together with some black beans and avocado and your bowl is complete.

Super simple, super flavorful. My favorite part is the mango salsa. But that’s probably no surprise to you guys, since you all know how much I adore fruit salsa.

side angled photo of Sheet Pan Cuban Chicken and Black Bean Rice Bowl

As mentioned above, you can prep this all on a Sunday or Monday. Then pack it up into your favorite meal prep containers to take to work for lunch. Or save at home, for a fast and healthy dinner any night of the week.

Complete perfection. Enjoy and happy Monday guys!

overhead photo of Sheet Pan Cuban Chicken and Black Bean Rice Bowl

If you make this cuban chicken bowl, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to also tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!

Sheet Pan Cuban Chicken and Black Bean Rice Bowl | halfbakedharvest.com #sheetpan #healthy #chicken #bowlrecipes #quick #easy
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4.16 from 221 votes

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

The Recipe

Sheet Pan Cuban Chicken and Black Bean Rice Bowl.

Key Ingredient: chicken

Spicy citrus seasoned chicken that's inspired by cuban flavors. Complete each bowl with steamed rice, black beans, homemade mango salsa, and avocado for a dinner that's packed with fresh flavors and healthy ingredients. Great for meal prep too! 

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 285 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced or grated
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chopped oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 tablespoons orange zest, and orange juice
  • zest and juice of 1 lime
  • kosher salt and black pepper
  • 1 sweet onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 red or orange bell pepper, sliced
  • 3 cups steamed white or brown rice
  • 1 can (14 ounce) black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 avocado, sliced

Mango Salsa

  • 1 mango, diced
  • 1 red fresno pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • juice of 1 lime

Instructions

  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

    2. On a rimmed baking sheet, combine the chicken, 2 tablespoons olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, oregano, cumin, cayenne, orange juice + zest, and lime juice + zest. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Toss well to evenly coat the chicken. Add the onions and bell peppers and toss with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Arrange everything in an even layer. Transfer to the oven. Roast for 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway through cooking until the chicken is cooked through and the onions have caramelized. 

    3. Meanwhile, make the salsa. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and toss to combine.

    4. To serve, spoon the rice into bowls and top with black beans, chicken, peppers, and onions. Add avocado and the mango salsa to each bowl. Enjoy! 

To Meal Prep

  1. 1. Prepare as directed above through step 3. 

    2. Divide the rice among 4-6 storage containers and arrange the black beans chicken, peppers, and onions on top. Store the salsa and avocado separately and add just before serving. 

    3. Alternately, you can store the rice, chicken, and veggies in separate containers and assemble when ready. Food will keep in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. 

    4. Before serving, warm each bowl, if desired, and top with mango salsa and avocado.

horizontal photo of Sheet Pan Cuban Chicken and Black Bean Rice Bowl